To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…

– American President Woodrow Wilson

Today, and everyday for that matter, we salute those who have bravely fought for our country. Today should not be about politics or debates. Today should be about honor and respect. If you see a vet, young or old, black or white, man or woman, take a few seconds out of your day to say, “Thank you for your service” because if it weren’t for them, who knows where we would be right now.

The attacks of September 11th were intended to break our spirit. Instead we have emerged stronger and more unified. We feel renewed devotion to the principles of political, economic and religious freedom, the rule of law and respect for human life. We are more determined than ever to live our lives in freedom.

-Rudolph W. Giuliani

It’s strange to know how much has changed since that moment sixteen years ago. Would those who were there recognize this 2017 America? I sure don’t thinking of then and now. Granted, I was a child but still. When you consider everyone who was born after September 11, 2001, your mind is blown by how they don’t know the things we know. The freedoms we knew. The innocence we knew, if you can even call it that.

This Patriot Day, it doesn’t matter what your political affiliations are, how old you are, or even if you like the guy who quoted the saying above. Just stop for a moment today and take a moment of silence for the 2,977 people who lost their lives and for all those who risked their lives saving their fellow Americans.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among those are Life, Liberty and Pursuit of Happiness.

I am not one for politics and told myself I would not involve Zelly & Ol Hem’s with political posts. This though, one can argue, isn’t necessarily about politics. It’s about history, live in the making.

One does not usually see a private citizen as a Senate hearing, but never say never. Ex-FBI Director James Comey, who served under three presidents in senior law enforcement positions, was fired by President Trump last month for possibly, though it’s looking more like “definitely” knowing too much about the Russian involvement in the 2016 US Presidential election.

Again, I am not political nor have a Political Science degree, but I am a history nerd. It’s been a long time since something with this scale of scandalous has caught the attention of the public.

There are many conspiracies wandering around if Trump silenced Comey prior to the hearing. Judging by Comey’s body language and his answers, he is providing his sincere honesty. His answers are a sigh of relief for it is clear cut and the truth, but at the same time troubling. Sure we won’t get the full, 100% information as he continuously mentions some topics should be saved for the classified hearing, but he isn’t giving BS. He’s providing everything he knows and even having a little fun as seen by his smiles when he and the Senate joke from time to time.

The whole thing is uneasy but sits well on the mind. It’s confusing but exciting and scary but full of bravery. I don’t know how else to explain it.

Happy viewing and don’t forget to raise your cuvfefe glasses full of coffee (or vodka). Can’t wait until photos from the hearing circulate. Powerful images from a historic and troubling moment in time.